New Bedford, Massachusetts | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros

Welcome to New Bedford, MA

Known as "The Whaling City," New Bedford boasts a rich maritime history, vibrant arts scene, and a diverse culinary landscape. Situated on the South Coast of Massachusetts, it's a charming port city that offers travel nurses a unique blend of cultural experiences and coastal living.​

💰 Cost of Living

New Bedford's cost of living is approximately 10% higher than the national average, with housing, transportation, and food costs contributing to this figure. ​BestPlaces

• Median Rent: Around $1,160 to $2,294 per month for a furnished apartment. ​Apartments.com

• Utilities: Approximately $160 per month.​

• Transportation: Costs are about 5% higher than the national average, with gas prices averaging $4.16 per gallon.​

🌤️ Weather by Month

New Bedford experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons:​

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Description
January	38°F	23°F	❄️ Cold with occasional snow.
February	40°F	24°F	🌤️ Chilly with increasing sunshine.
March	47°F	29°F	🌼 Warming up; early spring blooms.
April	56°F	40°F	🌷 Mild and pleasant; ideal for outdoor activities.
May	68°F	50°F	☀️ Warm and comfortable; perfect for hiking.
June	78°F	60°F	🌞 Warm with occasional thunderstorms.
July	80°F	64°F	🔥 Hottest month; ideal for beach activities.
August	78°F	63°F	🌦️ Warm with occasional showers.
September	72°F	55°F	🍂 Cooling down; beautiful fall colors.
October	61°F	45°F	🎃 Crisp and colorful; peak foliage.
November	51°F	35°F	🍁 Cooler with increasing chance of frost.
December	41°F	27°F	❄️ Cold and festive; occasional snow.

Winters are generally cold with snowfall, and summers are warm with occasional humidity. ​

🏡 Furnished Housing Options

Finding comfortable, furnished housing is essential for travel nurses. Here are some options in New Bedford:​Livingcost+6WIRED+6Apartments.com+6

🛏️ 1-Bedroom Options

1. Furnished Finder Listings

   • Features: Fully furnished, utilities included, Wi-Fi, pet-friendly.

   • Listings: Furnished Finder - New Bedford​Pinterest+6Tripadvisor+6RV Rentals+6

2. Zillow Furnished Apartments

   • Features: Various furnished apartments with different amenities.

   • Listings: Zillow - New Bedford Furnished Apartments​

🛏️ 2-Bedroom Options

1. Apartments.com Furnished Listings

   • Features: Short-term and long-term furnished rentals suitable for healthcare professionals.

   • Listings: Apartments.com - New Bedford Furnished Apartments​

2. UMass Dartmouth Off-Campus Housing

   • Features: Furnished apartments catering to students and professionals.

   • Listings: UMass Dartmouth Housing

     
     

🏨 Extended Stay Hotels

For those preferring hotel accommodations, New Bedford offers several extended stay options:​

1. Residence Inn New Bedford Dartmouth

   • Features: Pet-friendly suites with full kitchens, free Wi-Fi, fitness center.

   • Website: Residence Inn​

2. Quality Inn & Suites Middletown - Newport

   • Features: Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and close proximity to New Bedford.

   • Website: Choice Hotels​

3. Rodeway Inn Swansea

   • Features: Affordable rates, pet-friendly, and convenient location.

   • Website: Choice Hotels

     
     
     
     

🚐 RV Parks

If you're traveling with an RV, New Bedford has several parks to accommodate you:​

1. Bay View Campground

   • Features: Full hookups, laundry facilities, pet-friendly, close to downtown.

   • Website: Bay View Campground​

2. Boston/Cape Cod KOA

   • Features: Extra-wide, pull-through sites with full hookups and picnic tables.

   • Website: KOA Campgrounds​

3. Horseneck Beach State Reservation

   • Features: Beachfront camping with full hookups, long-term stays, pet-friendly.

   • Website: Horseneck Beach

     
     

🎉 Fun Things to Do in New Bedford

New Bedford offers a variety of activities to enjoy during your downtime:​

• New Bedford Whaling Museum: Explore the city's rich maritime history with exhibits on whaling, art, and science.​Downtown New Bedford, Inc.+5Condé Nast Traveler+5Tripadvisor+5

• Fort Taber Park: Enjoy scenic views, walking trails, and historical sites at this coastal park.​

• Buttonwood Park Zoo: Visit one of the oldest zoos in the country, featuring a variety of animals and educational programs.​

• Downtown New Bedford: Stroll through shops, art galleries, and restaurants in the charming downtown area.​

• Zeiterion Performing Arts Center: Catch live performances, including theater, music, and dance.

🧳 Nearby Weekend Trips

New Bedford's location makes it ideal for weekend getaways:​

• Cape Cod: Approximately 1 hour away, enjoy beaches, lighthouses, and quaint towns.​

• Boston, MA: Around 1.5 hours away, explore historic sites, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods.​

• Providence, RI: Just under an hour away, experience a thriving arts scene and diverse culinary options.​

• Martha's Vineyard: Accessible by ferry, relax on beautiful beaches and explore charming villages.​

• Newport, RI: Visit historic mansions, enjoy coastal views, and dine at waterfront restaurants.​

🧭 Summary

New Bedford, Massachusetts, offers travel nurses a unique blend of coastal charm, rich history, and a welcoming community. With its affordable living, diverse activities, and convenient location, it's an excellent choice for your next assignment.​

✅ Rich maritime history and cultural attractions

✅ Mild climate with four distinct seasons

✅ Abundant outdoor recreation opportunities

✅ Diverse culinary scene and local events

✅ Proximity to major cities and scenic destinations

Whether you're exploring historic sites, enjoying coastal views, or immersing yourself in the local arts scene, New Bedford provides a fulfilling and enjoyable experience for travel nurses.

Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.